Marjorie R. McDowell

MOUNT PLEASANT- Marjorie Ruth McDowell, 95, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Addington Place in Mount Pleasant.

Marjorie Ruth Baker McDowell was born on December 13, 1928, on a farm near Yarmouth, Iowa, the daughter of Karl Elmer Baker and Sylvia Myrtle (Hodson) Baker. She married John E. McDowell on June 17, 1949, at the First United Methodist Church in Yarmouth.

Marjorie graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1946, where she played forward in the girls state championship basketball game, losing only to Coon Rapids. After high school, she attended Iowa Wesleyan College where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and was named Iowa Wesleyan Homecoming Queen in 1947. She graduated from IWC in 1950, with a teaching certificate in education. 

Marjorie lived a fulfilling life and was a woman of many talents, but she especially loved teaching. She taught first grade for several years before opening her own dance studio. She taught tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics to many students in the Mount Pleasant area and produced annual dance recitals. After retiring from teaching dance, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren's dance recitals. She was very athletic and was always ready to teach skills related to basketball and softball to her grandchildren. Her husband John, and son Scott shared her love for baseball and the three of them often traveled to Kansas City to watch the Royals play. Marjorie and John also were active card club members where they developed many close friendships. Marjorie enjoyed sewing and baking desserts that were often the highlight of many family gatherings. She also tended a small garden and canned her best harvests. Marjorie was a kind soul and was always putting the needs of others before her own . Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her and she will be remembered for her bright disposition and personality. 

Marjorie was an active member of the Founder’s Chapter of T.T.T. for over 50 years. She also was a dedicated volunteer at the First United Methodist Church and later in life volunteered at the Quarter Maybe More Store. 

She is survived by her youngest brother Lawrence Dee Baker of Acton, CA, daughter Janette Zuk of Easton, PA, daughter Joan Coan of Lenexa, KS, son Scott McDowell of Overland Park, KS. Grandchildren include Daria Kret of Easton, PA, Jill Coan of Shawnee, KS, Natalie Brigham of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Jenna Bobrov of Fitchburg, WI, and John Zuk of Bethlehem, PA. Marge has seven great grandsons, one great granddaughter and another great granddaughter on the way.

Her husband, John, and first-born infant son, Bradley, preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank all of Mom's fantastic caregivers at Addington Place and EveryStep Hospice. 

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. Pastor Jeff McPheron will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 10, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends beginning at 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Marjorie’s name may be directed to EveryStep Hospice and the First United Methodist Church. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Marjorie and her family.

Livestream can be found on First United Methodist Church YouTube Channel